Raise a glass to the ghosts of Christmas past in this special screening of cinema's early silent classics. You'll get a chance to see some of the earliest Christmas and winter-themed silent films in existence, going all the way back to 1898. Santa Claus of yesteryear will make his way on screen, along with an adaptation or two of A Christmas Carol. We'll even see an imaginative tale of puppets and insects celebrating Christmas from Russia.

Historian and author Michael Smith will give a short lecture on the history of early cinema in Chicago and speak on how this city was once the most important home of film in the United States. He'll also give the backgrounds and introduction to the various films screened and you'll learn about a few turn of the century holiday traditions in Chicago. The films will feature live accompaniment by local pianist Matt Griffo.

The screening will take place in the Charnel House, a former funeral parlor turned theatre space. Once owned by the local Alderman of the 33rd Ward, the gothic interior woodwork of the chapel dates back to 1928 and still features a few relics from its funerary past. Longtime neighbors of the building fondly remember the lavish Christmas parties thrown by the Alderman's wife, which were the highlight of the holiday season back in the day. It's the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the ghosts of Christmas past this holiday season.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Ages 21+ only.

A cash bar will be open in the lobby with holiday themed drinks available for purchase.

Check in will begin promptly at 3 PM, and the event itself will start shortly afterwards.

ADA: This venue may not be accessible for all guests. Please contact leyla.royale@atlasobscura.com for additional accessibility information/questions.

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No purchase necessary. Winner will be selected at random on 01/01/2019. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). Offer subject to change without notice. See contest rules for full details.

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